Aisles of smiles with ‘Cops and Kids’

By NEESEY PAYNE

neesey@southwesttimes.com

What happens when cops and kids come together? Fun, laughter and joy. It was all apparent last week as members of the Fraternal Order of Police – New River Valley Lodge 21 took kids on a shopping trip to Walmart in Fairlawn.

“Cops and Kids” began last year as a way for members of law enforcement to give back to the communities they serve.

“This is a blast,” said Deputy Sheriff Perry Hodge, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, as he helped Landon Chapman and Nick Huff pick out toys.

One could not mistake the lasting impact the men and women in uniform were making in the lives of their “little sidekicks.”

“You’re my best friend,” said Kaitlyn Wimmer, as she turned to Officer Megan Jennings, Pulaski Police Department, and gave her a hug.

“You’re my best friend,” Jennings replied.

For the men and women in uniform, the gleaming smiles on the faces of children gave meaning to what “Cops and Kids” is all about.

“We try to give back to the communities our membership serves by sponsoring events like this and making donations to other groups as we can,” said Michael Jones, vice president, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 21.

Lodge 21 is comprised of active duty and retired members from Pulaski, Montgomery, Giles and Floyd counties, the town of Pulaski and Radford city. Lee Wensel serves as the current Lodge president.

The Fraternal Order of Police is the oldest law enforcement organization in the world. Lodge 21 is located in Radford.